I would like to use a stronger word than “bad” in the title, but decency forbids.

HSBC has, or used to have, a compulsory 2-factor system for logging in to their online banking. It used a small widget called a Secure Key. This is good. Now, they have rolled out an Android/iOS/Blackberry app alternative. This is also good, on balance.

However, at the same time, they have instituted a system where you can log on and see all your banking information and even take some actions without the key, just using a password. This is bad. Can I opt out, and say “no, I’d like to always use the key, please?” No, it seems I can’t. Compulsory lowered security for me. Even if I don’t use the password, that login mechanism will always be there.

OK, so I go to set a password. Never mind, I think, I’ll pick something long and complicated. But no; the guidance says:

Your password is not case sensitive and must be between 8 and 30 characters. It must include letters and numbers.

So the initial passphrase I picked was both too long, and didn’t include a number. However, the only error it gives is “This data is invalid”. I tried several other variants of my thought-of passphrase, but couldn’t get it to accept it. Painful reverse-engineering showed that the space character is also forbidden. Thank you so much, HSBC.

I finally find a password it’ll accept and click “Continue”. But, no. “Your session is invalidated – please log in again.” It’s taken so long to find a password it’ll accept that it has timed me out.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HackingForChrist/~3/-XttXXAxcaw/